C.M. Caldwell is proprietor of a livery, feed and sale stable of Decatur. He began business in this city in 1870, and for fifteen years has occupied his present location. His stable covers 100x80 feet, and the barn and its contents are valued at about $25,000. He keeps on hand twenty-five horses and a fine line of buggies and carriages; in fact, everything found in a first-class livery stable. From the public he receives a liberal patronage, which is justly merited.

The life record of Mr. Caldwell is as follows: He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on the 10th of September, 1840, and during five years of his boyhood resided in Alma, Ohio. From a very early age he has made his own way in the world.

When a lad of ten he began driving a stage from Flint to Saginaw, Mich. His father had located in the latter place when the Indians were paid at that point. Throughout nearly his entire life out subject has been engaged in dealing in horses. For thirty-six years he has been engaged in the livery business, embarking in that enterprise in Saginaw, Mich., soon after the town was started. He afterward followed the same pursuit in Fentonville, Mich., and in 1864 located in Griggsville, Ill. At that place he engaged in breaking horses, which he sold to proprietors of circuses. There he remained until 1870, when he came to Decatur, as before stated. His brother, F.B. Caldwell, was in partnership with him during his residence in Griggsville, and the connection was continued in Decatur until 1883. He is now engaged as a dealer in carriages in Chicago.

In Griggsville, Ill., on the 2d of September, 1868, Mr. Caldwell was married, the lady of his choice being Miss L. Nettie White. She is a native of Massachusetts, but in her maidenhood went to Griggsville, where she remained until after her marriage. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a daughter, Eva Eliza.

In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Caldwell was also engaged in breeding thoroughbred "Wilkes" horses. He owns a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres, five miles southwest of Decatur, where he has a fine "Wilkes" stallion and a number of standard-bred mares. He is an excellent judge of horses and a lover of the noble steed. He has not only sold many horses in the home market, but has shipped to various points. He was one of the incorporators of the Trotting association, and continued his membership with the same until 1892.

In his social relations Mr. Caldwell is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a staunch Republican. He takes and active interest in political affairs and always keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He is now serving as Township Commissioner, a position he has filled for fifteen years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He and two other members of the Board have entire charge of all the roads and expend about $15,000 each year on improvements in this line. In connection with D.A. Maffett and C. Amman, he laid out and platted Maffett's Addition to Decatur. He has also handles considerable and progressive man and takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the city and its upbuilding.